P-549 Fertility knowledge and attitudes towards fatherhood among men in England

Abstract Study question What are men’s fertility knowledge and attitudes towards fatherhood in England? Summary answer Men share similar family-building desires as women and also experience pressure to have children but lack knowledge about fertility timing and age-related fertility limits. What is known already Understanding men’s fertility knowledge and attitudes toward fatherhood is crucial for shaping effective reproductive health policies and educational initiatives. Research indicates that men often have limited awareness of factors affecting fertility and may overestimate the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Despite a strong desire for parenthood, many men lack adequate information about reproductive health. In England, specific data on men’s perceptions of their fertility and readiness for fatherhood remain scarce. Addressing these knowledge gaps can inform targeted interventions to enhance fertility awareness and promote shared responsibility in reproductive health. Study design, size, duration We conducted a mixed-methods study using an anonymous online survey hosted on Qualtrics. The survey included multiple-choice and open-ended questions, targeted at men aged 25-45 years. The survey was disseminated via social media platforms and word of mouth. The final sample size included 100 adult men. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical methods, while qualitative responses were analysed thematically. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study, approved by UCL Research Ethics Committee (ID: 9831/006), had 483 men globally partially completing the survey, with 100 completing it in the UK. Questions were asked about their attitudes towards family building (in the future) and questions quizzing their knowledge of male and female fertility. Main results and the role of chance The most common ideal age men wanted to have their first child was 30 years (27/100, 27%), desiring either two (59/100, 59%) or three children (24/100, 24%). Ideally, men wanted to have completed their family size in the past or future by 35 years old (24/100, 24%) or 40 years (14/100, 14%). 25% (25/100) of men stated that they felt pressure to have children, with much of the pressure coming from their family (21/25, 84%), internal pressure from themselves (12/25, 48%) and partner and societal pressure (11/25, 44%). Five key themes were identified as to how men have experienced or experience pressure, with these themes being: Longing to become grandparents, Indirect pressure from external expectations, Positive pressure, Following the ladder and Soft underlying pressure. 43% (43/100) men did not know or were not sure when a woman is most fertile during their menstrual cycle. Men overestimated the oldest age women (50 years old and 45-years-old) and the oldest age a man (70 years old and 80+ years old) can naturally have a child. Limitations, reasons for caution The study had a relatively small sample size (n = 100). Men generally show low engagement with surveys, and promotion was limited to social media. Respondents were predominantly highly educated, active on social media, and proficient in English, which may limit the generalisability of the findings to a broader population. Wider implications of the findings The finding from this work suggests the need for improved reproductive health education for men, particularly around fertility awareness and fatherhood readiness. Policymakers and educators can use these findings to develop targeted interventions that address gaps in men’s knowledge, promote shared responsibility in reproductive health, and reduce misconceptions about fertility. Trial registration number No